Tuesday, October 31, 2006

I love shoes from Nine West and many people tend to take the brand for granted. Truth of the matter is, when you are looking for the "it" style shoes and bags for the season is offering for the fall and winter season. Theres a BIG focus on wedges and high lace up boots with very chunky heels. Flats are still playing a role in the late fall season, before the snow storms start of course. But the style is still good to bring with you and wear around the office away from the brutal elements. We see some patent leather styles which I have been seeing on more of the celebs than everyday people. The animal print is probably the most popular season design that Nine West includes in their collection. Ive seen these zebra and leopard patterns on at least one article of clothing and accessorie item this season.

New York's own Behnaz Sarafpour is the latest designer to go high-low with Target, and she's bringing her sweet-chic sensibility to everything from brocade miniskirts to close-cut satin trenches. A major highlight of the shockingly well-priced collection, which, mark you calendars, hits stores Wednesday November 1st, is this roomy canvas duffle with shiny patent trim. That's not lace, it's a "trompe l'oeil" print, which means this weekender may look delicate, but it's made to go the distance, this holiday season and beyond. Not bad for $39.99. I'll be sure to pick one up!Personally I think Target is a great store and its definitely come a long way in terms of clothing and shoe quality. I walking in a few weeks ago and was taken back by ALL the bags and belts they have. This will surely start putting them a step ahead of Walmart. Here are some other cool things also being offered at Target by Behnaz.

Monday, October 30, 2006

Despite the outrageous prices of these bags, consider their styles whether replicas or originals as must have classics for every woman's closet of handbags. Bags like these will NEVER lose their style and only look better as they age.

The Gaucho By: Dior (right) Popularised by celebrities like Paris Hilton, the Gaucho is the bag on every fashion wannabee's wish list.Why this style is so popular we cannot fathom, but promo girls and Russian pop stars seem to be falling over themselves to part with a grand for it.

The Birken By: Hermes (left)The No 1 'it bag' of all time, this is the holy grail of all handbags. Its iconic status means that the waiting list for this bag is currently so long that it has been closed. So no need to beat yourself up about the fact that you can't afford one because you couldn't get one anyway. If you are ever lucky enough to become a member of the Birkin club, you'll be safe in the knowledge that this bag will never date and will still look cool in 40 years' time when you pass it on to your granddaughter.

The Muse By: YSL (left)Even though it's been around for a couple of seasons now, the YSL Muse is THE bag for winter 06.Since its appearance last year on the arms of a multitude of celebrities, the initial buzz has died down, but we predict this is the bag the real fashionistas will be sporting this season.

The Classic By: Chanel (right)If you like to think of yourself as a bit of a bag expert, then you really need to know about this bag. To celebrate its 60th birthday, Chanel re introduced the 2.55 last year with a special stamp inside. This year it's available as the 'Classic' (without the stamp) and will set you back £860. But you can tell your bank manager that this bag is collectible and an investment for your future. In fact, this bag is your pension, so you'd be crazy not to buy it.

The Marc Jacob's Stam (left) One of the biggest sellers this year, the quilted leather Stam comes in grey and patent for winter. It combines high fashion status with a down-town street sensibility in a way that only Marc Jacobs can do. But, like everything else by 'grunge god' Jacobs, we predict that in less than a decade you'll be able to smugly resurrect this future heirloom as 'vintage Jacobs'.

The Paddington By: Chloe (right)One of the world's most (badly) copied bags, we are amazed that the Paddington is still one of the biggest sellers in the land. Perhaps it's because of its reasonable price tag. When many Chloé bags are priced at around £1700, this one seems like a steal. In fact it's so cheap you may even throw caution to the wind and yell 'I'll take two!' Unfortunately, demand is still so high that on net-a-porter, sales are restricted to one per customer.

This week...Just in time for the party season, the lovely Benefit peeps launch this lustrous little kit of beauty-boosting basics. The Valley of the Stars (£22.50) features top highlighters, a high-shine gloss and shimmering shadows. Bling in a box!www.benefitcosmetics.com

Sunday, October 29, 2006

M.A.C Cosmetics is getting into the spirit of Halloween by showcasing the tricks and treats of its artists online atwww.maccosmetics.com and at counters nationwide with specially designed Halloween looks for visitors to view, emulate, or have applied for about $60-$100. Six hundred M.A.C artists from around the world submitted their most creative face charts for Halloween; the result was 21 looks in seven categories, including Art Tart, Bat, Freaky Frank, Hibiscus Hottie, and Fierce Feline. Each look will be available online and at all M.A.C counters, complete with application tips and a list of products one can buy to achieve the desired look.(Left) Freaky Frank by MAC CosmeticsSource: FashionWireDaily

Saturday, October 28, 2006

Happy 10th Birthday to Urban Decay! That bold make-up line thats not afraid to play with colors and self-expression. To celebrate, they packed 10 of they're best-selling shades into a case that’s a tactile experience on its own. Covered in touchable, matte black paper, the compact features a mesmerizing assortment of Urban Decay elements – animals, hearts, skulls, and flourishes – gently wafting from a pistol in overlapping textures of violet metallic foil and rich velvety flocking. Upon opening the kit, you’re met with endless eye options: 10 best-selling shadows are arranged as five sets of coordinating duos, running from subtle to sexy. The slim case is complete with a perfectly sized mirror, applicators, and a magnetic closure, so it’s sure to stay closed in your handbag.

From Kate Moss we now have the new Louis bags for Winter 2006/2007. Even though I find them more than classy, infact, timeless. It's a step in another direction as opposed to the leopard trim featured a few months ago by Kate Moss. It's lovely but that specific hue of metallic color is more something a really rich grandmother that knows her designers would pribably wear. Any comments?

This is the ideal gift for any girl about town, containing everything you could ever need to solve those daily emergencies, including a nail file, tweezers, needle and thread, mirror, torch, scissors, corkscrew, perfume bottle, pill box, mini knife, bottle opener, ruler and pen. Just make sure not to forget it in your purse when your traveling by air. You know how anal those FAA people can get. However, I find these are items any girl will eventually need every day. And instead of making a mess out of your handbag, you can consolidate everything in this one swiss army knife look alike.

Thursday, October 26, 2006

When it comes to holiday sparkle, who exemplifies it more than the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes! Stunning, exciting and a beautiful tradition every holiday season, the Rockettes are the inspiration behind OPI'sNew "Kick Up Your Heels!" holiday shades for nails and lips. This year we have the "Glamorous Gold's and Brown's and the "Very Merry Reds".Some of my favorites colors include, "Star-ring the Rockettes"which embodies a rich starry pink- "Berry Good Dancers", in a glimmering berry shade- and "Opening Night Champagne" in a shimmering gold taupe.

Newspaper jewlery is a line of accosories made from discarded waste, literally. Earrings, necklaces, brooches, and basically any sort of jewelry item you can think of its made out of anything from stock market pages to used packets of Equal and Sweet n' Low. Crossword puzzle fans and Sudoku junkies can wear the object of their obsession around their wrists. There is even a necklace called "Shattered Dreams" which is made entirely of losing lottery tickets rolled up into bead tubes. This would probably seem like a cook gift to give to your funky alternative self or that "different" friend of yours that likes to use safety pins as earrings. But I must admit, its a definate conversation piece.A bracelet made of Discarded Sweetener Packets with Faceted Swarovski Crystal and Sterling Silver with Paper Beads sealed and protected by a water-resistant coating runs for about $289.00.

Or what about these Recycled Sweetener Packet earrings with Faceted Swarovski Crystal Trim for $89.00

Here's a cool concept. Recycle those used super market coupons you have in your wallet since last year. Brightly Colored Expired Coupons are hand-formed into beads and stitched together in a checkerboard pattern with Silver-Plated Beads into the form of this bracelet. Price: $249.00

Nothing brings back childhood memories like the great taste of s'mores . Those fun-to-make campfire creations, oozing with marshmallows and sweet chocolate, tucked in between crunchy golden graham crackers. Yum! With this new portable Smores Maker, you can enjoy these delicious treats almost anywhere -- indoors or out! Perfect for backyard barbeques, picnics, and summer parties, smores are a fun, no-hassle dessert. They also make tasty late night snacks, fuel for movie marathons and sleep-overs. A great gift idea for families or those who love to entertain! The set includes a central roaster with a durable stainless steel grilling surface; four long-handled roasting forks for marshmallow toasting; four white ceramic containers to hold ingredients; a rotating tray base and instructions for use. Uses pre-packaged 2.6 oz. canned chafing fuel (not included, but readily available at supermarkets and hardware stores). Food items not included.

I was recently flipping through a gadget magazine looking for some tech devices that would appeal to the female crowd when I came across this "mechanism." I would hardly say this appeals to women but it might interest the few that have a special relationship with a man who can't go anywhere with out his ipod. I think it would make a smart and funny Birthday or even Christmas presant. Trust me. Boyfriends and husbands would appreciate something stupid and funny as opposed to another turtle neck sweater.

This is the AFT iCarta Stero Dock toilet paper holder. ($100) Seriously what will they think of next. How does it work and sound? The concept is as simple as it sounds: you bring your iPod into the bathroom and dock it on iCarta’s top. Press play, change tracks, or do whatever you want with the iPod - it all works. Though this may go without saying, iCarta probably isn’t the system you want if you’re looking for a sophisticated iPod speaker dock. But for the price I think it would make a great pooping gift.

A relaxing and romantic bath won't be the same after you've gotten your hands on these Spa Lights. Both safe and waterproof , they give your bath a soft and relaxing glow in the dark.The Spa Lights just stick to the bottom or sides of your bath or shower, courtesy of the suckers on the rear of the light. Or you can just let them float in your bath. Then just turn off the lights and chill out with yourself or a loved one (wink wink) The lights come as a pack of two, with one set of batteries giving you around 120 hours of coloured light. Available now, you can pick them up for around 12$.

Just as I'm finally getting over the excitement of owning my very own LG chocolate phone, LG announces they're bringing us some shiny new ones later in the year. That means we'll soon be able to get our girly hands on a pink version, as well as a sleek looking white one and new 'premium' phones with extra features and updates. As excited as I am, I'm also kinda of bummed. Ofcourse its my luck they come out with a Pink version AFTER I've already purchased the black one. Hopefully for some of you it's not too late!

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

This suede hobo by Etro its the perfect bag for fall. With olive calfskin suede, brown leather and green patent trim, gold-tone hardware and studs, shoulder strap with buckle and front flap with signature Pegasus ornament you can add some color to an earth towned outfit with brown and tan colors.

Matches great with these dark brown buckle pump round toe shoes by Chloe. Contrast topstitching and gold-tone hardware with studs. The gold accents on both the shoes and the bag subtly match. A nice escape from the constantly exhausting pointed stiletto pump.

It's Revolutionary! The first ever brush foundation. Perfect Touch delivers a flawless finish in a simple and unique way. Achieve a professional makeup artist finish! Say goodbye to a mask-like effect or fingers full of foundation; ideal for touchups throughout the day. Alot of make-up artists recommend using a brush to apply foundation. But sometimes you can get a streaky mess if you don't apply it correctly. If you opt for a sponge, it's almost more than likely that you'll end up with a cakey mess if your not using the right texture for your skin type. This is all the more reason to try out Perfect Touch. It's definately first on my make-up shopping list this year since MAC's liquid foundation from last year is a total BUST!

Who would have thought that an animated Asian cartoon character would turn into such a fashion icon. I didn't believe it at first, but as I was browsing through some fashion forums, someone had mentioned some Hello Kitty accessories from Neiman Marcus. And sure enough, it was true. Here's what I found.

(Left) The diamond Hello Kitty necklace is in 18 karat yellow and rose gold and will set you back about $1,250.00(Right) The Hello Kitty diamond watch goes for a whopping $1,995.00. It has a mother of pearl background on the face with Hello Kitty also outlined in diamonds.

Your hunt is over: you've got the animal trend in the bag. Zebra printed haircow in structured shapes, for polished fashion that's a little on the wild side. You can find this pricey yet stylish piece at shop.rafe.com. ($495)

The Rafe viewpoint reflects the diversity of New York City. Cultures and influences mingle in our work, resulting in collections that are fresh and modern but with an eclectic sense of heritage that transcends seasons or location. It's a viewpoint that attracts like-minded, stylish and unique individuals.

Monday, October 23, 2006

Cheek Stain by Tarte is a water based, push-up gel stic is perfect for a fresh flush of color - on the go. It's especially great for travel or to slip in your purse as it won't make a huge mess.

To use: Simply dab a small amount onto fingertips and blend over clean, freshly moisturized skin. Can also be worn over foundation, or under powder blush for added color. The oil-free formula lasts all day. The 7 pinkish shades can be found atSephora.comfor $28.

Always remember what the iconic Leutenant Dan from Forrest Gump would say, "Always take care of your feet." So its probably a good idea to grab some slippers for the chilly upcomming months to keep your feet all warm and toasty. Here are some cute slippers I found at victoria's secret.com . The best part of slippers is that they don't have to be granny-like anymore. There are some cute boot style slippers. There are also some socks with padding on the sole so that you have the support of a shoe with the comfort of a sock.